DERIK QUEEN
Warning I am gonna bring up a lot of CMB stuff, I would read that first, it simply feels like a part 1 to this
Position/Archetype: High Post Combo Big
College: Maryland
Pros:
Fluidity and Handle: One of the more impressive things about queen is the general bend and fluidity of his movements, he isn't a tall center but quite a big one and moves very well for the size with quick spins and a neat handle with some moves to go to. Has a lot more polishing but there's a lot of potential. Footwork is generally great for a center but I have some issues I will bring up.
Scoring touch: A 62% shooter at the rim, does he have the touch of CMB? no I think CMB does better in tight spaces and contests but I think that also says something to the separation we see from Queen to CMB In the post but also with his height and reach to get over people keeping the ball high in contact.
Post Play: Now I may have a problem with his footwork when dribbling but his post up footwork is very very good, I mean he does the spins and pivots and creates nice separation like he does with his handle but its a deeper bag where he has a fadeaway he can use his pump fake, he’s generally more efficient as as scorer and reduces turnovers by quite a lot. He can pass out the post yet I don’t think it’s his best skill playmaking.
Playmaking: Ok so someone who is very able to hit cutters at the basket and pass well in transition and make quick reads, he has issues over committing to a pass and sometime lacking care but what I like more about Queens passing ability to CMB is he is the more versatile passer to me.
Mid Range Potential: Great Free throw percentage and a good volume in the mid range while percentages are pretty lacklustre, now there is a good percentage in the long mid range shooting 14/30 and just under 50% from all Long mid range areas and then from the top of the key where he operates the most and has the highest volume he shoots 10/19. Closer than that we see a steep drop off from the mid range but he is very fluid and quick with his pull up mid range, he has a lot more moves and obviously a lot more volume and film compared to a CMB as a Mid range Shooter.
Rebounding: 9 rebounds a game and a 96th percentile offensive rebounder. Great college numbers, I doubt he’s the dominant rebounder in the NBA as he was in college but a key thing is to remember he was a top rebounder this year and suggests he can be an effective rebounder in the NBA positionally.
Cons:
Offensive Foul and Violation Turnovers: So I always have questions when someone so praised for his playmaking has a 1 or lower Ast/To thats the case for CMB and Queen. The large difference to me is especially end of the year Queen really cut the passing turnovers and it felt that the guy only really travels or hooks or charges. So I feel like it's less of a passing issue more of a footwork and driving decisions.
3PT Spacing: Can’t shoot right now and usually with this background of shooting I say no to if I believe there’s something that can be developed. 20% on 1 attempts is really and but a key thing to remember is the high percentage top of the key makes and generally taking a step or two back from that area Is the three point line so there’s something to work with that I’m not sure ever becomes reliable or much of anything. Not gonna dismiss it though.
Motor Inconsistencies and Athleticism: One of the hardest things to get behind with Queen is the lack of motor in general, he is someone who has a boat load of potential and maybe 70% of the time thats visible but the other 30% you see a slow guy walking around not focused, doesn’t know where his man is and getting lost in actions the other team run. Now he generally isn’t super fast and maybe it makes it look worse but it does feel like he loses focus quite a lot. And in general he is just a horror athlete, I mean we all saw the combine results and he had one of the worse athletic aggregate scores your gonna see from a consensus lottery pick.
Defence: Its not all bad I mean most of the problems come with the motor and the athleticism thats the key so it links in with the last point but to keep it sweet there’s little defensive impact for this guy, he has tools to be fine interior wise and a good switchable big on the perimeter for his position but due to the motor and lack of general defensive awareness it makes it look a lot worse and makes me feel worse about what’s there.
General Fit: Ok so I do feel like you limit yourself with Queen similarly to CMB but in contrast Queen has the positional size to run the 5 or the 4 and can compliment the growing archetype of longer spacing 5s such as an Alex Sarr or Chet Holmgren. I think its just a little more reasonable ad I think archetypically he’s a little more valuable but I just don’t see how he can be a main piece with compliments around him rather I see him being the compliment piece playing a role like a Boris Diaw did for those spurs teams or how Jaylin Williams may do in the modern era.
NBA Pro Comp: Older Boris Diaw, Jaylin Williams technical similarities
Projection: This is the type of player that can really crash out in this league, there isn't much middle ground with him and a lack of safety for his outcomes. usually your either high or low on him. I just don't see the ceiling others do so I see an interesting combo big who can play rotational minutes but not someone who can develop into a superstar or consistent starter due to a hard fitting style and a lot of development needed.
CHEESE FINAL BOARD RANKING: (coming soon)